PHILIPPIANS 1 : 1-11
The church in Philippians was started by Paul. He was given a dream in the night by God that told him to help the people in their region. Paul's new church plant loved him and helped him as he continued to spread God's word. Jailed for preaching the Gospel, He wrote a letter to the Philippian church to encourage them, challenge them, and urge them to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.
Questions:
What are the goals of the partnership Paul and the Philippians share (1:7,12,27)?
How have the Philippians acted like his partners (1:19; 2:25; 4:14-18)?
How can we be partners in the gospel today, in our everyday lives?
One way Paul acts like the Philippians’ partner is by praying for them. What does he ask for (1:9)? So that (1:10)? And also (1:11)? For the ultimate goal of (1:11)?
Paul wants his readers to learn to distinguish truth from falsehood. He also wants them to be able to discern what is bad, less bad, better, and best to do. Where are you in the process of learning discernment? Can you tell bad from good? What about discerning between okay and better? Between better and best? What are some of the hard issues for you?
Do you think God makes our love of discernment grow without much effort on our part? Are there things we can do to cooperate with that process? Explain what you think God does and what we can do (if anything).
When you think of other Christians you know, what are some things you’re thankful for?
Write out a prayer for someone that’s inspired by Paul’s prayer in 1:9-11.
What jumps out at you as the thing God wants you to focus on in this study? It might be something to remind yourself of, something to pray about, or something to do.
Connection (within a House Church):
In your group, talk about how you can think and act more like partners with the others in your group. Do you see yourselves as partners in the gospel? What does that mean, and how could you live it? For instance, you could commit to praying for each other. You could look for ways to build each other up in the kind of love that’s rooted in personal knowledge of God and what’s real and right.
In fact, now is a good time to pray for each other. Is there something in particular you need discernment about? Could you ask the group to pray for you? Is there anything about the group you’re thankful for? Are you willing to thank God out loud? Ask God to help you think and act like partners.
Go Deeper:
Investigate other passages of Scripture that may help you answer question 6. For instance, look at Psalm 119:9-16; 139:23-24; Proverbs 2:1-11; 11:14. How can you put one or more of these into practice?
Memory Verse of the Week:
Did a particular verse make you think? Is there a verse you can’t get out of your head? Write it down and memorize it. Allow God’s Word to permanently brand itself in your head and your heart.
More Resources: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/philippians/